SR West Country No 34024 Tamar passes E1R No 32124 as arrives at Exeter Central with four coaches on May 29, 1956.
This view from Queen Street overbridge clearly shows how steep the one in thirty seven gradient from Exeter St. Davids up to here at Central really was as the sidings on both sides of the main line are all on the level.
It looks as though 'Tamar Valley' has just four coaches which would allow it to make this ascent without a pilot or customary banker from St. Davids.

Photo: John P.Wilson/Rail Archive Stephenson